In the fall of 1991, our oldest, Scott, was a first grader. His friend from across the street belonged to a Cub Scout Pack (201) in Anderson, Indiana where we lived at the time. Since Scott's school didn't have their own pack, we joined his friend's pack. Steve is an Eagle Scout, and was eager for Scott (and later, Eric) to join scouts as he did. But Mom got to be the one to join with Scott as his adult Tiger Cub partner. Fast forward two years. Time for Eric to join Tigers. Again, mom was the registered partner. 2nd grade came along for Eric. I was teaching full time, but when the request came for me to become an assistant leader in Eric's den, I agreed as long as I didn't have to do any prep work, just come in and help carry out the other plans.
During that year, we moved to Michigan. The boys earned their rank before we left, and since we moved in April, we waited until fall to find a new pack. Since we had bought a house in Lowell, we went to a pack information night for Pack 3188 in Lowell. Scott joined as a 5th grade 2nd year Webelos. Eric was to be a Bear, but there was no leader. Since I was not (yet) working, I agreed to become the Bear leader.
This properly started me on a long scouting journey on which I'm still traveling. I was Eric's den leader for 3 years - Bears and both years of Webelos. When he crossed over into Boy Scouts, I became an assistant cubmaster for a year, then took over as Committee Chair for a few years. At the same time, I was a merit badge counselor and committee member for the boys' troop, 102 in Lowell.
And I got pulled into district activities. I first served as Webelos-to-Scout transition chair, then became Vice-Chair of Cub Scouting. Somewhere in here I also took Wood Badge, and part of my ticket was to find out how to improve our Cub Scout Roundtable. You guessed it, in 2004 I was asked to take over as Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner. I've been doing that ever since. Wow, this is my 6th year already!
I've had some wonderful memories along the way, and have made some great friends, too. I've been to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a council leadership training, I've been to Mackinac Island four times with the scouts, I was privileged to not only take Wood Badge but serve on staff five years later, staffed many pow-wow's, leaders trainings, train-the-trainers, and have been (still am) co-chair of our council's outdoor leader training. I'm also treasurer of our council's Wood Badge Association.
And now a new role as chair of the Get in the Game Scouting/Geocaching program for our council. It's probably going to be the most work of all, but also perhaps the most fun!
Why the walk down memory lane? This week marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America (Feb. 8, 1910-2010.) The Boy Scouts of America has made a profound difference in the lives of my husband, father-in-law, both of my sons, and most especially myself. I would not be the person I am today without scouting. Thanks, BSA, and here's to another 100 years!
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